It’s no secret that tile is one of the best flooring choices for business as it is durable, easy to clean, and can come in a wide range of styles. Not only is it an excellent choice for these reasons, but did you know that you can take preventive measures in ensuring your tile truly lasts? By applying a proper seal, grout and tile are protected from everyday use, leaving you with stunning flooring for the long haul.
What is Grout, and Why is it Important?Â
Grout starts as a dense liquid composed of water, cement, and sand. In this stage, the grout’s pigment can be customized to different shades to fit any room’s desired color scheme. Once the desired color is achieved, the grout is then laid to fill the spaces between each tile, where it will cure anywhere from twenty-four to seventy-two hours.
Now that we have established what grout is, why is it so important? Grout is essential for tile flooring as it has a variety of jobs to perform that directly correlate with the floor’s lifespan. To start, grout is the bonding agent that keeps individual tiles in place. This prevents tiles from cracking or unnecessarily shifting over time.
One of the most crucial jobs grout performs is preventing moisture from interfering with the flooring base. Depending on the material, unsealed tile and grout can have dozens of small open cells into which water can seep. This excess water can cause the tiles to expand and contract as the temperature changes in the building. Thankfully, the grout can adjust to these changes in pressure, preventing the tile from cracking. While this particular level of giving from the grout can be beneficial in stopping tiles from becoming damaged, it presents a whole new set of problems for owners.
Once tiny pores can open up drastically, allowing dirt and debris to accumulate within the grout itself. This, in turn, provides the perfect environment for bacteria and mold to thrive. Accidental spills only feed into the cycle of bacteria growth now that the cells have expanded. Once the bacteria start to multiply, the grout can become discolored and often is accompanied by a foul odor that can take ages to remove entirely.
In addition, the surface itself can become hazardous and uneven. This is due to the buildup of entrapped debris within the tile and grout itself. These problems can drastically reduce the longevity of the flooring leading to expensive and early replacements. Properly sealing your tile and grout cannot be emphasized enough as it can potentially save owners thousands of dollars in damages. Having your tile and grout correctly sealed is the essential step in maintaining clean and pristine floors for years to come.
If the surface lacks a proper seal, cleanings intended to combat the staining can open the cells further. Chemical treatments designed to remove odors and discoloration, in these cases, will only work as temporary fixes as the grout’s surface will further erode, allowing more contaminants to build within it.
New Life to FlooringÂ
While grout can be damaged unintentionally through everyday use and the occasional accidents, rest assured in knowing it can be giving a whole new life. Rather than removing the flooring altogether, business owners can choose the more economical restoration option. Furthermore, choosing to restore rather than remove flooring is less time-consuming and intrusive allowing businesses to continue with minimal interruptions. Keep the floors of your business looking incredible by choosing the sustainable option or tile and grout restoration. This choice will enable you to create an entirely new space through the use of unique colors, patterns, and textures. Cubix, Inc. is the leader in tile and grout restoration. Contact us today to get your floors looking brand new for 2022.
Travis Owens, the President of Cubix, Inc., has dedicated over 18 years to refining and leading the premier leader for commercial flooring services in Florida. Before taking the helm as President, Travis excelled as the Director of Operations, solidifying his reputation as an industry trailblazer in commercial flooring consulting and solutions. A proud veteran, Travis honorably served 8 years in the Marines, exemplifying his commitment and discipline in all endeavors. Residing in Orlando with his family, he also indulges in his passion for culinary spices.
